International Crane Foundation

International Crane Foundation

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(608) 356-9462

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(608) 356-9462

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Starting Memorial Day thru Labor Day we will be offering Guided Tours daily at 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

These beautiful and inspiring birds - some of the most ancient and endangered on earth - are set amidst acres of restored tall grass prairie, colorful wildflowers and tranquil wetlands. A must for nature enthusiasts of all ages as your visit supports ICF's wetland and grassland conservation efforts. ADA accessible trails, guided & self guided tours, new African crane exhibits, family activities, interpreted walking trails, education center, gift shop. Open daily, April 15 - October 31, 9 am- 5 pm. Located two miles south of Lake Delton on Shady Lane Road.

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10 Wisconsin Dells Attractions That Are One-of-a-Kind2011-04-07Here are 10 reasons to drive past other destinations and deposit yourself in Wisconsin Dells for your vacation. You might be able to experience all 10 in one trip, but we recommend you visit us a few times year.Read More

10 Wisconsin Dells Attractions That Are One-of-a-Kind

2011-04-07

Only in Wisconsin Dells

Here are 10 reasons to drive past other destinations and deposit yourself in Wisconsin Dells for your vacation. You might be able to experience all 10 in one trip, but we recommend you visit us a few times year.

The largest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks in the world.

The world’s largest and country’s only looping waterslide, Scorpion’s Tail at Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

The largest fleet of WWII land-to-water craft in the country, better known as DUCKS.

The longest running outdoor show in America, the Tommy Bartlett Show, featuring water skiers and stage performers. It’s been around since 1952, when Tommy’s traveling road show first performed in the Dells.

More holes of mini-golf than anywhere else in the state, 325 to be exact.

Two classic Wisconsin supper clubs – Del-Bar and Field’s at the Wilderness - both designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The H.H. Bennett Studio, the original 1875 studio of famed landscape photographer Henry Hamilton Bennett, who not only made Wisconsin Dells famous with his landscape photos, but also invented stop-action photography. The evidence is in his photo of his son Ashley caught mid-air leaping from one rock bluff to another.

The International Crane Foundation, the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes. This restored prairie-style sanctuary is on the outskirts of town.

Circus World is home to the world’s largest collection of antique circus wagons and show vehicles, more than 200 in all. This historic site, just a short drive from Wisconsin Dells, also houses some 8,000 circus posters, with the earliest dating back to 1855.

Reconnect with the World Around You2011-08-01Technology pushes us ahead at warp speed. But there are times when slowing down to really appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin Dells is called for. Are you in for this itinerary? Then better get your gear packed.Read More

Reconnect with the World Around You

2011-08-01

Technology pushes us ahead at warp speed. But there are times when slowing down to really appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin Dells is called for. Are you in for this itinerary? Then better get your gear packed.

Wisconsin Dells has more campgrounds than ever before and most offer a mix of sites. If you like tent camping, for example, reserve a site at Stand Rock Campground where there are 100 acres of hiking trails to keep you active or at Bonanza Campground & RV Park where they have a wooded area for tents only. Sherwood Forest Camping & RV Park has easy-on easy-off interstate access for those of you with big rigs and it’s within walking distance of the Dells’ downtown district. Pop-ups and RVs have a home at Mt. Olympus Zeus’ Village & Camp Resort.

Not traveling with gear, but still want a camping-esque experience? Rent a camping cabin at Yogi Bear’s Camp-Resort & Water Playground, a vacation park model at Holiday Shores Camp-Resort or a full-sized resort cabin at the eco-friendly Birchcliff Resort.

If you’re serious about fishing, you’ll likely be towing your own boat. Put it in the water at a public launch on Lake Delton and wait for the fish to bite. If you like the fishing action on the Wisconsin River, where reeling in bass, northern pike and walleye is an everyday occurrence, there’s a boat launch at River’s Edge Resort.

Three spectacular state parks prove Wisconsin Dells was smooched by Mother Nature. Devil’s Lake State Park is famous for its views from 500-foot-high cliffs. Mirror Lake State Park is so tranquil that you’ll find canoeing there to be a nearly religious experience. Rocky Arbor State Park, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, is a cool escape thanks to all the pine trees. And in downtown Dells there’s the RiverWalk, a paved trail that snakes along the river with game tables and park benches.

If you prefer to take in the beauty of the river from a seated position, buy a ticket for a ride aboard a classic double-decker riverboat, or a paddle wheeler, or one of those land-to-water vehicles everyone calls “the Ducks.” Pontoon boats are a fun way to roll from one end of Lake Delton to the other.

An attraction that should be on every nature-lovers’ itinerary is the International Crane Foundation, a restored nature sanctuary and the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of those majestic birds.

Keep it easy on the environment by dining at restaurants that believe in fresh seasonal ingredients sourced locally when possible. High on the list is High Rock Café, with its cosmopolitan-style seasonal menus and Cheesecake Heaven Deli Restaurant just across the street where everything is made from scratch including the mayo on the sandwiches. For vegetarians (and those who just love food made with lots of flavorful herbs and spices), the Cheese Factory Restaurant is one special place.

The “Only in Wisconsin Dells” Vacation2012-08-16You decide to use a few vacation days for an extended weekend getaway to Wisconsin Dells and begin the trip planning by compiling your list of want-to-do’s while in the Dells. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong fan of this resort community or a waterpark newbie, the list of 10 activities outlined should find its way to everyone’s list at some point.Read More

The “Only in Wisconsin Dells” Vacation

2012-08-16

You decide to use a few vacation days for an extended weekend getaway to Wisconsin Dells and begin the trip planning by compiling your list of want-to-do’s while in the Dells. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong fan of this resort community or a waterpark newbie, the list of 10 activities outlined below should find its way to everyone’s list at some point, given these are things you can only find in Wisconsin Dells. Bet you’ll be surprised by a few of them. And if you’re not able to accomplish all 10 in one trip, oh well, you might have to return a few times. Travel tip: Try a different season, say winter, and check off the indoor activities during that trip.

10 Unique Finds

The largest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks in the world.

The world’s largest looping waterslide, Scorpion’s Tail at Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the country’s largest outdoor waterpark.

The largest fleet of WWII land-to-water craft in the country, better known as DUCKS, afloat at Dells Army Duck Tours and the Original Wisconsin Ducks®.

The longest running outdoor show in America, the Tommy Bartlett Show, featuring water skiers and stage performers. Celebrating 60 years, it’s been around since 1952 when Tommy’s traveling road show first performed in the Dells.

More holes of mini-golf than anywhere else in the state, 357 to be exact.

Two classic Wisconsin supper clubs - Del-Bar and Field’s at the Wilderness - both designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. And a FLW-designed cottage for rent on Mirror Lake, the Seth Peterson Cottage.

The H.H. Bennett Studio, the original 1875 studio of famed landscape photographer Henry Hamilton Bennett who not only made Wisconsin Dells famous with his landscape photos but also invented stop-action photography. The evidence is in his photo of his son Ashley caught mid-air leaping from one rock bluff to another.

The International Crane Foundation, the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes. This restored prairie-style sanctuary is on the outskirts of town.

Circus World is home to the world’s largest collection of antique circus wagons and show vehicles, more than 200 in all. One wagon on display was used in the 2011 Hollywood production of “Water for Elephants.” This historic site, just a short drive from Wisconsin Dells, also houses some 8,000 circus posters, with the earliest dating back to 1855.

The world’s longest underground roller coaster tunnel, with a 90-degree turn in complete darkness for added scream-factor, is the highlight of wood roller coaster Hades at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks.

Beyond Animal Magnetism2014-10-22What possesses one family to create an exotic wildlife park in the middle of The Waterpark Capital of the World!? Or scientists to set up a foundation where you can see all 15 species of crane, from the largest population to the most endangered? Or locals to create a park where you can hand-feed deer?
Read More

Beyond Animal Magnetism

2014-10-22

What possesses one family to create an exotic wildlife park in the middle of The Waterpark Capital of the World!®? Or scientists to set up a foundation where you can see all 15 species of crane, from the largest population to the most endangered? Or locals to create a park where you can hand-feed deer?

Magnetism of the creatures is only part of the answer.

At Timbavati Wildlife Park, the stunning wildlife murals on the exterior of the park are the tip-off to the encounter inside. Just past the front gate, the soothing sound of a waterfall greets visitors, providing a nice counterpoint to the screeches of the birds and animals, more than 60 species in all and growing. Owner Mark Schoebel is ever enthusiastic when describing the 15-acre park with its menagerie of inhabitants that includes red kangaroos, tawny eagles, camels and big cats. He said his family hasbeen in the animal entertainment business since the 1950s, and credits his wife Alice with caring for the newborn animals, a 24/7 job. When visiting, be sure to visit the giraffe area, where you can actually feed the long-limbed, long-necked animals by hand. For a bit of nostalgia, ride the Safari Train – it’s actually Engine #9 salvaged from the Old Fort Dells attraction and beautifully refitted to the grounds of Timbavati Wildlife Park.

Wisconsin Deer Park dates back to 1952, making it one of Wisconsin Dells’ classic attractions. It’s operated by the grandson of founder Russ Tollaksen. This 40-acre plot provides a family-friendly hiatus from all the hustle and bustle of the Dells and takesyou to a simpler time. You can feed white tail deer from your hand and see American elk and bison. Best times to visit for photo opps? May to middle June when fawns are born almost every day, and August when the bucks are sporting their velvet covered antlers.

You can classify this next place as exotic. It’s the International Crane Foundation on the outskirts of the Dells. The 225-acre world headquarters hosts a captive flock of approximately 100 cranes, and is the only place in the world that you can see all 15 species of cranes. The campus offers live crane exhibits, an interactive education center, guided and self-guided tours, a research library, visitor center and over four miles of nature trails set among 100 acres of restored tall grass prairie, oak savanna and wetlands.

Did You Know: To prevent cranes from imprinting on humans and to prepare the birds for life in the wild, researchers caring for the young whooping cranes wear full-length crane costumes.

Circus World, in nearby Baraboo, was the home to The Ringling Bros. Circus from 1884 thru 1918 and continues to bring the circus to life with big top shows featuring skilled acrobats, horses, jugglers, dogs, clowns, aerialists and elephants. Watch as a black Celebes Ape steals the show, appearing alongside the Rhesus monkeys in Zoppe's Comedy Monkey Revue. Enjoy a thrill as you ride upon a real circus elephant.

Finally, for a little horseback riding or a wagon ride, try Woodside Ranch with 1,400acres of trails and more than 100 horses in every size, from pony to Percheron. It’s located close-by in Mauston. There’s also Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable with a Mauston address and Canyon Creek Riding Stables in the Dells for short trail rides led by experienced guides.

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